Author Feature: Kylie Betzner, aka Lit Chic

Most of you have probably come across the gorgeous Kylie Betzner, aka Lit Chic, and her lovely sister, Toni. So, it should come as no news to you that Kylie is about to release her first book, The Quest for the Holy Something or Other, which you can preorder on Amazon.
Today, however, I have more than just a book release. I have an interview with Kylie, where we find out who would win in a battle between evil leprechauns and unicorns (quick answer: she doesn’t remember)!

So, please read on to find out more about Kylie and her new book!

The Usual

Hi Kylie, thanks for being here today! What inspired you to write this book?

Having always been a fan of Arthurian legends and lore, I was inspired to write my own story in that universe, and because my first love is comedy, I decided to satirize the universe in my own creative spin. Thus, TQFTHSOO came to fruition. The idea behind the story is to deconstruct the Arthurian legend and explore themes of change and human value in light of a dying era that values prestige over people. My goal is to show who really comes out on top in the end.

TQFTHSOO. Catchy. I’m getting flashes of Monty Pythons and the Holy Grail. What was the first thing you ever wrote?

Considering I was four or five, the story was about evil leprechauns versus unicorns. I don’t remember who won. It was a collaborated effort between my sister and myself. Needless to say, it never saw print. Haha!

How can you not remember?? Oh well… What other writing have you done? Anything else published?

I have not published anything else yes—emphasis on yet. I have another novel due for release around October of this year!

Nice! That must be taking up a lot of your time. Any hobbies or interests that you enjoy in your spare time?

When I have time, I like to read (mostly works of fantasy, but I’ve been known to enjoy a romance novel here and there). I also enjoy dabbling in art and participating in cosplay. YouTube and internet memes are my pitfalls. I also run, but I don’t enjoy it. Mostly, I like spending time with my sister, friends, and family. (Trust me, the sister belongs in her own category).

I’m somewhat familiar with Toni myself. Great gal. What are you working on at the moment? Tell us a little about your current project(s).

I’m currently working on a 3-book comedic fantasy series (with a few additional standalones) that tell the story of an outcast named Mongrel who comes to his own in a volatile fantasy world with the help of his friends: Margo–a wizard’s apprentice who really doesn’t want to be a wizard, Laerilas—a magically-challenged elf, and Little Hammer—a dwarf appropriately named for her weapon of choice. With their help, Mongrel becomes more than what his name implies and the only possible hero they can find. (Real synopsis in the works).

I stand corrected; it’s Pratchett I’m thinking of, not the Monties. Which are your favorite authors and what do you love about them?

I especially admire self-published and Indie authors, who like yourself, have paved the way for guys and gals like me wanting to break into the publishing industry.

Aw, thanks! And ha. I knew I’d recognized a Pratchett fan. Are you an Indie author? If so, do you have any advice for other indie authors?

I’m self-published through Amazon KDP and Createspace POD. And for the record, it wasn’t because my manuscript got rejected too many times (although there’s nothing wrong with that). I decided going into this whole publishing thing, that self-publishing was the best route for me.

My advice for other indie authors can be broken down into three parts: 1) write what you love and only what you love. No one ever found happiness and fulfillment in prostitute writing. Don’t whore your writing skills. C’mon, guys, you’re worth more than that. (2) Hone your craft. Master all of the elements and you can become the Avatar—wait, what? Woops, I meant to say “skilled writer.” And (3) choose the best career path for you. Don’t worry about what other people are doing. Traditional publishing or self-publishing are both fine options, but you have to do what works best for you.

So you disagree with Moliere (or Ferenc Molnár, according to QI)?

I love your blog – actually, that’s how we first met. Tell us about it. What will readers find there?

Lit Chic is a blog dedicated to connecting readers, writers, editors, and bloggers alike through featured authors, literary reviews, and discussions on all things literary!

My goal is not only to create a professional platform for my writing, but also to inspire and connect other lovers of literature . . . and hopefully make someone laugh along the way.

New posts every Monday, Wednesday, and Friday! No excuses! Book reviews each month, and a new featured author the first Friday of each month.

What are the things in your life that you’re most grateful for?

I’m most grateful for family and friends (both online and in-person) who have supported me along the way. I couldn’t have done it without themJ

The unusual

If you had to describe a theme or thread running through your life, what would it be? What’s your life theme?

Adaptability to change and valuing people are the only ways to succeed in this world–or the Arthurian one. Haha!

Nice one. Name your claim to fame.

Taking fun and sexy photos with men in Storm Trooper uniforms.

Oh, you mean like this one?

Which one do you prefer: Elephants or tigers?

There is no logical answer to this question. Both are good depending on what day it is.

Best answer yet. If you had to live over again what would you change in your life?

I would have forgone dating and wrote more books. Also, I would have invented edible nail polish at the age of five and become a billionaire.

Edinble nail polish, huh? Now, there is a thought. But the foregoing dating thing sounds terrible. I can hear hearts breaking all over the Internet… Where in the universe would you live if you could travel anywhere?

In this universe? I guess New Zealand to see the set of the LOTR trilogy. Going to visit Bag End. I’d much rather visit Middle Earth and party with King Thranduil of Mirkwood.

Party like it’s the Third Age, huh? Yep, they sure knew how to have fun back then. Thank you so much for being here with us today! How about some more info on your book now?

The Quest for the what, now?

Actually, it’s called The Quest for the Holy Something or Other. It will be released on January 30th on Amazon KDP, Kindle Unlimited, and print on demand.

Genre: Arthurian parody with a modern twist

And the blurb goes like this:

Enter the Realm of Camelot, home of famous legends: King Arthur, Sir Lancelot, and Merlin—but this isn’t their story.

Meet Pig, a humble gong farmer who dreams of the glories of Camelot. Her dreams become reality–or so she thinks–when she becomes Sir Kay’s page. What starts off as a joke soon becomes the adventure of Pig’s life when Merlin sends the knights on a quest for the Holy Gift Box–er–Bread Basket–whatever it is!

On their quest, they face many knight-worthy, and some not-so-knight-worthy, foes: an insane pond dweller, several greedy salespeople, and an overzealous cache seeker, all the while fighting against time, mostly each other, and the most infamous villain of all—change.

The Quest for the Holy Something or Other is a fresh and funny take on a well-known legend, with engaging characters, some rather good jokes, and something that starts with S, but it isn’t important.

Who’s this Kylie girl again?

Comedian. Blogger. Coffee junkie. Incurable nerd. And now, author. The titles she is most proud of are sister, auntie, and friend.

Growing up in a small town surrounded by cornfields, Kylie had nothing better to do than fantasize about unicorns and elves. As an adult, she still refuses to grow up, and spends most of her time creating stories of comedic fantasy. When she is not writing, which is hardly ever, Kylie enjoys reading, drinking coffee, and spending time with her family and friends. She also runs, although she does not enjoy it so much.

Kylie currently resides in Indiana with her sister, nephew, horde of cats, and one very silly dog.

Think I have to disagree with Moliere too. Though I can see how that happens due to publishing contracts. Love the cast of characters in the comedy series, especially that there’s a female dwarf in there. Not enough of those. I’m curious about that character and how you wrote her since it’s such a rare main character.

What a fun interview and yes, I’m fully aware of the fabulous Kylie and her sister Toni. They are such fun and both are talented writers. Kylie, I think we’re a lot alike and I can’t wait to read your book. Arthurian legend, comedy, hijinxs and a girl named Pig… what could be better? 😉 She’ll be appearing on my blog January 27th. 🙂

Thank you ! I can’t wait! I agree. I think we’re both a lot alike. I always enjoy your participation in blog tours. Do i have you scheduled to feature on my blog yet? If not, we need to schedule you this summer.